Reviewed · BLACKPOOL TOURS
90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic and illusionism Show in Blackpool
Magic feels personal here. Russ Brown’s House of Secrets delivers close-up magic and illusion in an intimate setting, so it does not feel like a distant performance. I also love how easy it is to fit into a Blackpool night, with an easy to find central venue and a show that runs about 90 minutes. One thing to consider: the experience is interactive, so kids who dislike being singled out might want a quick heads up before they enter.
You start at 7:00 pm, and once the show wraps you can treat the rest of the evening as your own time. The venue also keeps the door open a bit longer, with kids allowed to stay until 10:30 pm if you want to extend the night. At about $19.44 per person, you are paying for a focused family show with included admission, not a long multi-stop tour.
The format is simple and modern, with mobile tickets and a central location near public transport. It is also a strong pick if you want a small venue experience where the atmosphere stays lively rather than formal. With a 4.9 out of 5 score and a near-total recommendation rate, this is the kind of night out that tends to please most families.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Finding Russ Brown’s House of Secrets in Central Blackpool
- Timing: A 7:00 pm Start and About 90 Minutes of Magic
- The Magic Show: Close-Up Illusions That Feel Like They’re Yours
- Comedy, Audience Participation, and Surprise Guest Energy
- Bar Drinks, Cocktails, and How to Budget for the Night
- Who This Family Magic Show Is Best For
- Value for Money: Why Around $19.44 Can Make Sense
- Tickets, Entry, and What to Do After the Show
- Practical Tips to Make Your Magic Night Go Smoothly
- Should You Book This Family Magic Show in Blackpool?
- FAQ
- What time does the show start?
- How long is the 90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic show?
- What is the price per person?
- Is admission included?
- Is there a bar at the venue?
- Can service animals attend?
Key Things to Know Before You Go

- Intimate close-up magic where the action feels right in front of you
- Interactive audience moments that can pull kids in, sometimes with big laughs
- A 7:00 pm start with about 90 minutes of show time
- Kids can remain until 10:30 pm, so you can linger after the final trick
- Bar available for adults, with extra drinks (plan for it in your budget)
- Mobile ticket entry and an easy-to-find central Blackpool location
Finding Russ Brown’s House of Secrets in Central Blackpool

This is the kind of family activity that works even when your plans are a little loose. Russ Brown’s House of Secrets is in central Blackpool, and it is described as easy to find, which matters on a holiday when everyone is hungry and slightly tired.
You will also like that it is near public transportation. If you are coming from the seafront, it is simpler to plan for buses and trams than if your destination is way out of town. Service animals are allowed too, which is a helpful detail if you travel with one.
Inside, the show is designed for a smaller room, not a huge theatre. That means you are close to the performers, and the atmosphere tends to feel more personal. For families, that is the big advantage. You are not trying to spot tiny gestures from the back row. You are there to watch the trick unfold and hear the reactions as the room follows along.
A few more Blackpool days worth comparing
- SEA LIFE Blackpool Admission Ticket
★ 4.0 · 419 reviews - Show Tickets for Viva Decades Rewind! Music of the 80s, 90s & Now
★ 4.5 · 386 reviews - Friday & Saturday night comedy club entry
★ 5.0 · 329 reviews
Timing: A 7:00 pm Start and About 90 Minutes of Magic
Plan around 1 hour 30 minutes for the show. With the 7:00 pm start, you can build an evening that still leaves time for dinner, a stroll, or a dessert stop before you settle in.
Here is a practical way to structure it in your head:
- Arrive with enough buffer that nobody is rushing in the last five minutes
- Enjoy the show
- Treat the rest of the evening as free time
A clever plus for parents is that kids can stay in the venue until 10:30 pm if you want to keep the night going. That is not just a convenience. It reduces the stress of having to immediately leave, find transport, or fight bedtime battles right after the final trick.
For families travelling with older kids, the timing can also fit neatly between other Blackpool activities. For younger children, the show length is short enough to feel manageable, but long enough to feel like you actually did something special.
The Magic Show: Close-Up Illusions That Feel Like They’re Yours

This is a family show built around close-up magic and illusionism in an intimate setting. That phrasing sounds fancy, but it has a simple meaning for you: the tricks are designed so you see the details, and you are not stuck watching from far away.
The style blends close-up moments with stage magic, so the night does not rely on one type of effect. Close-up magic often creates that wow feeling because the action is small, precise, and right there. Stage magic adds scale and variety, so the show feels like it has different chapters rather than one long stunt parade.
The tone is also family-forward. The show is described as interactive for kids and adults, and the crowd energy matters because you are part of what makes the tricks work. If you have ever watched a magic show from a distance and thought, I wish this felt more personal, this format is made for that.
One more practical note: close-up performances can feel different if you are uncomfortable with direct audience involvement. If you want a quiet, sit-and-watch-only night, you may want to prepare your child with a quick explanation that the host might ask for help during certain segments.
Comedy, Audience Participation, and Surprise Guest Energy
A big reason this show wins for families is that the entertainment is not just hands and props. It is also comedy and audience rhythm. People tend to love when the host keeps things light, uses humor to pace the crowd, and makes the interaction feel friendly rather than awkward.
Audience participation is a theme, and it is the kind of participation that often turns shy kids into willing helpers. If you have a child who is usually quiet, this can be one of those nights where they realize they can handle being involved and still have fun. You might even see kids move from hesitating at the start to smiling by the interval.
There can also be a surprise guest element. Some performances have included guest appearances connected with Britain’s Got Talent. That is not something you should treat as guaranteed, but the point is useful: the show can have extra moments that keep it from feeling routine.
Overall, the magic and the comedy work as a team. The laughs reset attention, and the pacing keeps younger kids from zoning out. Adults get plenty of entertainment too, especially if you enjoy watching how the performer manages timing and crowd reactions.
Same part of England, a different sort of day out:
- Jersey Beats Oh What A Nite! – Show Tickets
★ 5.0 · 213 reviews - Viva’s BIG Show Night Out! Music, Dance & Comedy Show
★ 5.0 · 24 reviews - Magician Ryland Petty in Russ Brown’s House of Secrets
★ 5.0 · 14 reviews - Viva’s Big Christmas Show Night Out! Christmas’s Party Show
★ 4.5 · 13 reviews
Bar Drinks, Cocktails, and How to Budget for the Night

There is a well-stocked bar on site, and drinks are available for adults. It is mentioned that grabbing a drink is easy, but drinks are an extra cost. If you want cocktails or beer, this is not a problem, but it is smart to decide your budget before you sit down.
What I like about having a bar in the same venue is simple: you are not walking out mid-show to find a drink. You stay in the experience, and your evening stays one smooth block of time.
At the same time, this matters for family planning. Keep an eye on how late your kids stay, especially since the option to remain until 10:30 pm can make the night feel longer than you expected. A drink for adults is fine, just be mindful of pacing so you do not end up rushing at the end.
If you are travelling with little ones, consider staying focused on the show first, then enjoying adult drinks during the parts of the night when you are waiting for the next segment.
Who This Family Magic Show Is Best For

This is a strong fit for families who want a small venue experience. The intimate setup usually helps with two common family travel realities: kids get restless in large spaces, and parents want to avoid spending an hour trying to keep everyone quiet.
It also works well for:
- Kids who love magic, surprises, and being part of the action
- Families who like interactive shows more than passive ones
- Multi-age groups, since the show is designed to include both kids and adults
- Parents who want a clear plan, not an open-ended evening
If your child is very shy or nervous in crowds, the interactive nature might sound scary at first. But it can also be exactly what helps. The best nights tend to be the ones where the performer creates a welcoming atmosphere and helps kids get involved in a way that feels safe and exciting.
If your child hates attention or absolutely refuses participation, treat this as a watch-only option. The venue is still enjoyable from your seat, but participation is part of the atmosphere.
Value for Money: Why Around $19.44 Can Make Sense

Let’s talk value in real terms. At $19.44 per person, you are buying a single, focused experience that runs about 90 minutes and includes admission. You are not paying for a long itinerary, transport, or multiple activities in one ticket.
The best value here is the combination of:
- Interactive close-up magic, which you feel more than you just watch
- A small venue, which keeps the show more personal
- A night that stays open afterward, with kids able to remain until 10:30 pm
- A simple structure: show first, then your free time
Also, the show is a good insurance policy against a messy schedule. When the weather shifts or plans fall apart, you still have a dependable event that fits neatly into the evening.
Is this a bargain compared to every free thing in Blackpool? Obviously not. But for a ticketed family night that often leaves kids talking about the tricks afterward, it is a practical use of your holiday money.
Tickets, Entry, and What to Do After the Show

Entry is designed to be easy with mobile tickets. That matters because family travel gets complicated fast. Less paper to track, less chance of misplacing something, more time for the important stuff: finding your seats and enjoying the show.
Since the show starts at 7:00 pm, plan your arrival so you are not rushing. In a small venue, arriving late can mean you lose the best view or end up squeezed near other families.
After the show, you get something rare: your evening is not automatically over. You can keep the night going in Blackpool, and if you want to extend the time at the venue, kids can stay until 10:30 pm.
That flexibility is a big deal for parents. Instead of immediately packing up and dealing with bedtime fatigue, you can transition more calmly. Just keep the drinks in mind, and decide early whether you are staying late or leaving as soon as the final trick lands.
Practical Tips to Make Your Magic Night Go Smoothly
A few small choices can make a big difference in how enjoyable this feels.
- Arrive a bit early so your family can settle without stress. It is a close-up show, so comfort matters.
- If your child is likely to get nervous during participation, remind them beforehand that it is okay to watch and not volunteer.
- If you plan to drink, set expectations early. The bar is available, but it is an extra expense.
- Use the extra time option if it suits your schedule. Knowing you can stay until 10:30 pm makes the evening feel more relaxed.
If you are visiting during a busy period, booking ahead can help. On average, this is booked about 15 days in advance, so it is smart to reserve sooner rather than later if your dates are fixed.
Should You Book This Family Magic Show in Blackpool?
I think you should book Russ Brown’s House of Secrets if you want an evening that is simple, family-friendly, and actually interactive. The close-up feel is the core reason it lands well, and the comedy and audience involvement tend to keep everyone engaged. If your kids love tricks and surprises, this is exactly the kind of night out that turns into a highlight memory.
Skip it or adjust expectations if your child strongly dislikes attention or participation. Because the show works with the crowd, you may end up with moments that involve your family even if you are hoping for a purely watch-only experience.
If you are building a Blackpool itinerary and you want one ticketed plan that is easy to access and easy to enjoy, this one fits. It is about 90 minutes, starts at 7:00 pm, and then you are free to enjoy the rest of the night your way.
FAQ
What time does the show start?
The show starts at 7:00 pm.
How long is the 90 Minute Family Close-Up Magic show?
The show runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
What is the price per person?
The price is $19.44 per person.
Is admission included?
Yes, admission is included with the ticket.
Is there a bar at the venue?
Yes, there is a well-stocked bar. Drinks are available, but they are an extra expense.
Can service animals attend?
Yes, service animals are allowed.
Recently added around Blackpool
- Viva’s BIG Show Night Out! Music, Dance & Comedy Show★ 5.0 · 24 reviews
- Viva’s Big Christmas Show Night Out! Christmas’s Party Show★ 4.5 · 13 reviews
- Magician Ryland Petty in Russ Brown’s House of Secrets★ 5.0 · 14 reviews
- Show Ticket for Soul and Motown Extravaganza★ 4.5 · 13 reviews
- ABBA Bottomless Brunch – Including Drinks, Food & Show!★ 4.5 · 3 reviews
- Blackpool Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK★ 4.5 · 4 reviews
- Jersey Beats Oh What A Nite! – Show Tickets★ 5.0 · 213 reviews
- Friday & Saturday night comedy club entry★ 5.0 · 329 reviews
Blackpool Tours, compared.

Show Tickets for Viva Decades Rewind! Music of the 80s, 90s & Now
Read our review →
Viva’s BIG Show Night Out! Music, Dance & Comedy Show
Read our review →
Magician Ryland Petty in Russ Brown’s House of Secrets
Read our review →
Viva’s Big Christmas Show Night Out! Christmas’s Party Show
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in



